Nets' three keys to Game 1

No one can stop LeBron James (above, right) alone. But in Andrei Kirilenko and Shaun Livingston, the Nets have two long, athletic and intelligent defenders who can start what will have to be a collective effort to slow him down.

2. Starting strong

Stealing one of the first two games in Miami gives the Nets the best chance at stealing this series. And the best opportunity could come in Game 1 — the Heat have been sitting idle since April 28 after sweeping the Bobcats.

3. Deron Williams

Williams (above, left) rolled his ankle in Game 6 of the Toronto series, but played through the pain. If Williams can move well and get into the lane, the Nets will have a major advantage.